Coming to America

Coming to America is a 1988 American romantic comedy directed by John Landis, featuring a celebrated ensemble cast headlined by the versatile Eddie Murphy. The supporting cast includes the likes of Paul Bates and Garcelle Beauvais. At its heart, this movie is an old-school romantic comedy, but it is layered with social commentary, culture-clash humor, and a generous amount of character-driven comedy supplied by Eddie Murphy's array of on-screen transformations.

Eddie Murphy showcases his immense comedic talent by playing multiple roles, turning his one-man antics into a comedic tour-de-force. As a testament to his acting mastery, Murphy effortlessly transitions between characters, from a pampered African prince to a handful of vibrant and hilarious supporting characters. This isn't Eddie Murphy's first time playing multiple characters in one film, but the artistry and insight he brings to each role set a new bar for him as a performer.

The plot revolves around Murphy's character, Prince Akeem Joffer, the prince of the wealthy African nation of Zamunda. Despite his life of luxury and privilege, Akeem is dissatisfied with the woman his parents, the king and queen, want him to marry. Looking for more than just a subservient bride, he desires a woman who loves him for who he is, not his royal status. Against his parents' wishes and breaking tradition, Akeem, alongside his best friend and personal aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall), sets off to the bustling boroughs of New York City to find his true love, presuming America to be the place where, even a prince can find an independent, wise and loving woman.

Furthermore, to ensure the authenticity of this love adventure, Akeem and Semmi opt to live as commoners in Queens, initiating some tremendously comical culture shock moments. The intricate dance between Akeem's royal background and his determination to fit into his down-to-earth environment provides a rich and consistent source of comedy.

The director, John Landis, handles the story with skill and confidence, balancing the romance against lively moments of laughter. With the resourceful script, each scene seems to carry a distinctive, clever mix of comedy and romance, allowing the audience to be sincerely involved with Akeem's plight and his determination to find love and self-realization.

Coming to America brilliantly captures the spirit of the late '80s in a heartwarming, hilarious way. Its social commentary on relationships, love, and the ideal marriage is depicted with a fresh perspective. It also tries to debunk some Western stereotypes about Africa and paints Zamunda as a prosperous, flourishing, and vibrant kingdom, a unique approach during the late 80s.

Supporting characters like Lisa McDowell (Shari Headley), Akeem's love interest, her family, and a host of other quirky characters who Akeem meets in America, add considerable vibrancy and texture to the plot. Many delightfully humorous subplots are threaded throughout the main plot, each providing a distinct comedic flavor that stays in sync with the movie's overall feel-good, earnest vibe.

Apart from Eddie Murphy's magnetic presence, the performances of the entire cast deserve praise for their unique contribution to the movie's comic symphony. Arsenio Hall, in particular, compliments Eddie brilliantly, presenting an unforgettable sidekick, and the chemistry between the two is a joy to witness.

Featuring fantastic costumes by Deborah Nadoolman Landis and a brilliant score that encapsulates the spirit of the 80s, the movie is also a visual and auditory feast that adds to its remarkable charm. It beautifully captures the contrast between the opulence of an African kingdom and the gruff hustle and bustle of Queens, New York.

Overall, Coming to America emerges as a feel-good movie experience. It is a film that pairs romance and comedy in a way that makes it a delight to watch. The film not only scores with its wit, charm, and Eddie Murphy's versatile performance but with its unique storytelling that infuses character, culture, and respect for love, making it a classic in the romantic comedy genre.